WOLAITA SODO UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

A Seminar Report
On
AUTOPILOT

BY
BEREKET BEKELE

WOLAITA SODO, ETHIOPIA

FEB 12, 2016 E.C

SEMINAR REPORT

Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 How the Autopilot was developed ............................................................................................... 3
1.3 Who are contributors of autopilot................................................................................................ 4
1.4 How is Autopilot technology work it ............................................................................................ 5
1.5 Protocol used about Autopilot technology ................................................................................... 7
1.6 Advantages and disadvantages of Autopilot technology ............................................................. 8
1.6.1Advantages of Autopilot Technology:** ................................................................................. 8
1.6.2Disadvantages of Autopilot Technology:** ............................................................................ 9
Summery/conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 10
REFERENCE ............................................................................................................................................ 10

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1 Introduction
Autopilot refers to a technology that allows a vehicle or system to operate, navigate, or control
itself with minimal or no human intervention. The term is commonly associated with aviation
and automotive industries, but it has also found applications in various other domains. Here's an
introduction to the concept of autopilot:

1.Aviation Autopilot:
- In aviation, autopilot systems assist pilots in controlling an aircraft's trajectory without
constant manual input. These systems can manage heading, altitude, and speed, providing relief
to pilots during routine flight phases.

2.Automotive Autopilot (Self-Driving Cars):

- In the automotive industry, autopilot refers to the development of self-driving or autonomous
vehicles. These vehicles use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence
to navigate, make decisions, and operate without direct human control.

3. Marine Autopilot
- Marine vessels, including ships and boats, use autopilot systems for navigation. These
systems can steer the vessel along a predetermined course, maintaining a set heading or
following specific waypoints.

4. Industrial and Robotic Systems

- Autopilot principles extend to industrial and robotic applications, where autonomous systems
perform tasks without continuous human guidance. This can include manufacturing processes,
drones, and robotic machinery.

5. Spacecraft Autopilot
- Autopilot systems are crucial in space exploration, where spacecraft may operate in
environments with communication delays. Autonomous navigation and control become essential
for executing planned missions.

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1.2 How the Autopilot was developed

The development of autopilot technology has evolved over several decades and involves
contributions from various fields, including aviation, automotive engineering, computer science,
and control systems. Here's a general overview of how autopilot technology was developed:

1. Early Concepts (1920s-1930s)

- The concept of autopilot began to take shape in the early 20th century. Early attempts at
automatic stabilization and control systems were made in the aviation industry. Lawrence Sperry
is often credited with inventing the first practical aircraft autopilot in the 1910s.

2. Analog Systems (1950s-1970s):

- The post-war era witnessed the development of analog autopilot systems. These systems used
mechanical and analog electronic components to control aircraft, maintaining stability and
following preset flight paths.

3. Introduction of Digital Technology (1970s-1980s):

- With the advent of digital technology, autopilot systems transitioned from analog to digital
control. Digital computers allowed for more precise and flexible control, enhancing the
capabilities of autopilot systems.

4. Integration of Inertial Navigation Systems (1980s-1990s):

- Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) became integral to autopilot technology, providing
accurate information about an aircraft's position, attitude, and velocity. This integration
significantly improved navigation and control.

Autopilot technology continues to evolve, with ongoing research focused on improving safety,
increasing autonomy, and addressing challenges associated with different modes of
transportation. The collaboration of engineers, researchers, and regulators remains essential for
the responsible development and deployment of autopilot systems.

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1.3 Who are contributors of autopilot

The development of autopilot technology involves contributions from a wide range of

individuals, engineers, researchers, and organizations across various industries. While it's
challenging to attribute the development of autopilot to specific individuals due to its
collaborative nature, here are key contributors and entities associated with advancements in
autopilot technology:

Fly-By-Wire Innovators:
- Teams of engineers and researchers at aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing, among
others, have contributed to the development of fly-by-wire systems that form the basis for
modern autopilot capabilities.

Elon Musk and Tesla:

- Tesla, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has been a prominent contributor to automotive
autopilot technology. Tesla's Autopilot features, introduced in the mid-2010s, have pushed the
boundaries of semi-autonomous driving.

Open-Source Community
- The open-source community, consisting of developers and researchers worldwide, has
contributed to the development of open-source autopilot systems for unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) and other applications.

Regulatory Authorities
- Organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) contribute to the development of autopilot technology by
establishing safety standards and regulations that guide its implementation in aviation.

AI and Machine Learning Researchers

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- Scientists and researchers in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
(ML) contribute to enhancing autopilot capabilities, making systems more adaptive, intelligent,
and capable of learning from real-world data.

It's crucial to recognize that the development of autopilot technology is a collaborative effort
involving the collective contributions of engineers, scientists, inventors, and organizations over
the course of many decades. The field continues to evolve, with ongoing advancements
contributing to the integration of autopilot systems in various modes of transportation and
autonomous vehicles.

1.4 How is Autopilot technology work it

Autopilot technology works by using a combination of sensors, actuators, and control systems to
automate certain aspects of a vehicle's operation, allowing it to navigate, control its trajectory,
and respond to its environment with minimal or no human intervention. The specific workings of
autopilot can vary based on the type of vehicle or system it is implemented in. Here's a general
overview of how autopilot technology works in aviation and automotive applications:

Aviation Autopilot:

1. Sensors:
- Autopilot systems in aircraft utilize various sensors, including gyroscopes, accelerometers,
altimeters, airspeed indicators, and GPS. These sensors provide real-time data about the aircraft's
position, attitude, speed, and altitude.

2. Control Algorithms:
- Sophisticated control algorithms process the sensor data to determine the aircraft's current
state and make decisions about adjustments needed to maintain a desired flight path.

4. Modes of Operation:

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- Autopilot systems have different modes of operation, including heading hold, altitude hold,
speed hold, and navigation modes. Pilots can engage these modes to automate specific aspects of
the flight.

5. Navigation Systems:
- Autopilot often integrates with navigation systems, allowing the aircraft to follow
predetermined routes using GPS waypoints or other navigation aids.

6. Redundancy and Safety:

- Aviation autopilot systems incorporate redundancy and safety features to ensure reliability.
Failures in sensors or components are detected, and the system may revert control back to the
pilot or switch to an alternate system.

Automotive Autopilot (Self-Driving Cars):

1. Sensors:
- Autonomous vehicles are equipped with an array of sensors, including cameras, radar, lidar,
ultrasonic sensors, and GPS. These sensors provide a continuous stream of data about the
vehicle's surroundings.

2. Mapping and Localization:

- Autonomous vehicles use high-definition maps and localization algorithms to understand
their position on the road. GPS is often supplemented with additional sensors for precise
localization.

3. Perception Algorithms:
- Computer vision and machine learning algorithms process sensor data to identify and
recognize objects, pedestrians, road signs, lane markings, and other relevant information.

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4. Decision-Making Algorithms:
- Advanced decision-making algorithms analyze the perceived environment, consider traffic
rules, and make decisions on vehicle speed, steering, and braking to navigate the vehicle safely.

1.5 Protocol used about Autopilot technology

Autopilot technology in aviation and automotive applications involves the use of various
protocols to facilitate communication between different components and systems. The specific
protocols employed can vary based on the manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and the integration
of different subsystems. Here are some common protocols associated with autopilot technology:

Aviation Autopilot:

1. ARINC 429:
- ARINC 429 is a well-established avionics data bus standard used in commercial aviation. It
facilitates the transmission of digital information between avionics systems, including autopilot
components.

2. Controller Area Network (CAN):

- CAN is a widely used protocol in aviation, especially in general aviation and smaller aircraft.
It allows for communication between various avionics components, including autopilot systems.

3. Aviation Standards for Data Exchange (ASDE):

- ASDE standards, such as ASDE-X (Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X), are
employed to enhance airport surface surveillance. Autopilot systems may utilize these standards
for navigation and taxiing.

Automotive Autopilot (Self-Driving Cars):

1. Controller Area Network (CAN):

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- CAN is a standard protocol extensively used in automotive systems, including autonomous

vehicles. It facilitates communication between various electronic control units (ECUs)
responsible for different vehicle functions, including those related to autopilot features.

2. Ethernet:
- Ethernet communication is increasingly being adopted in modern vehicles, particularly for
high-bandwidth applications. It can be used for communication between sensors, control units,
and the central processing unit managing autopilot functions.

3. FlexRay:
- FlexRay is a communication protocol designed for use in automotive networks. While not as
widespread as CAN, it is used in some vehicles for applications that require higher data
bandwidth and reliability, potentially including aspects of autonomous drivin
1.6 Advantages and disadvantages of Autopilot technology

1.6.1Advantages of Autopilot Technology:**

1. Enhanced Safety:
- Autopilot technology, when well-designed and implemented, can contribute to increased
safety by reducing the risk of human errors, fatigue-related issues, and improving overall
precision in navigation.
2. Efficiency and Precision
- Autopilot systems can perform repetitive tasks with high precision, leading to more efficient
operation and resource utilization, especially in aviation and certain automotive applications.
3. Workload Reduction:
- In aviation, autopilot technology allows pilots to focus on higher-level tasks, decision-
making, and monitoring, reducing their overall workload during routine flight phases.
4. Consistent Performance:
- Autopilot systems provide consistent and repeatable performance, which can be particularly
beneficial in maintaining a stable flight or driving conditions.

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5. Fuel Efficiency:
- In aviation, autopilot systems are designed to optimize flight parameters for fuel efficiency,
resulting in potential fuel savings. In automotive applications, autonomous driving systems can
optimize fuel consumption by adopting efficient driving patterns.

1.6.2Disadvantages of Autopilot Technology:**

1. Overreliance and Complacency:
- Users may become overly reliant on autopilot systems, leading to complacency and reduced
situational awareness. This can pose risks if operators are not prepared to take control in
emergency situations.
2. Limited Adaptability:
- Autopilot systems may struggle in situations that require adaptability to unforeseen
circumstances or complex decision-making that goes beyond pre-programmed algorithms.
3. Technical Failures:
- Autopilot systems are susceptible to technical failures, whether due to software glitches,
sensor malfunctions, or hardware issues. Failures can compromise the safety and performance of
the vehicle or aircraft.
4. Regulatory and Legal Challenges:
- The deployment of autopilot technology faces regulatory challenges, and legal frameworks
are still evolving. Issues related to liability, responsibility, and compliance with existing
regulations can be complex.
5. Cost:
- The initial cost of implementing autopilot technology can be significant. Additionally,
ongoing maintenance, updates, and ensuring compliance with evolving safety standards
contribute to the overall cost of ownership.
6. Lack of Human Intuition:
- Autopilot systems lack the intuition and decision-making capabilities of humans, especially in
situations that require empathy, understanding of social cues, or creative problem-solving.

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disadvantage of these gyroscopes is the drifting of measurement values. Even at static conditions
after a period of time these gyroscopes give drifted values causing the system to interpret its
position and orientation in the incorrect manner.[1]
Summery/conclusion
In conclusion, autopilot technology represents a significant advancement in the fields of aviation
and automotive, offering a range of advantages and facing certain challenges. The technology
has evolved over the years, contributing to enhanced safety, efficiency, and reduced operator
workload. Autopilot systems bring precision and consistency to navigation tasks, leading to
potential improvements in fuel efficiency and overall performance.

However, challenges such as overreliance, technical failures, and regulatory complexities need
careful consideration. The risk of complacency and diminished human situational awareness
highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between automation and human intervention.
Moreover, ethical dilemmas, cybersecurity risks, and evolving legal frameworks necessitate
ongoing research and industry collaboration.
When the pilot moves a control he activates an electronic or hydraulic When the pilot moves a
control, he activates an electronic or hydraulic device that moves the control surface i ibl t →
rrevers e system → need of artificial sensation: pilot feels forces proportional to the surface
deflection → big airplanes of first generation: Boeing 747, 767, A300, A 310 and fighter jets of
the 60s: Mirage III, Mirage F1, F15 → triple hydraulic system requisite: redundancy in case of
failure[2]
As autopilot technology continues to advance, it holds the promise of further improving
transportation systems, increasing safety, and introducing innovations in various domains.
Responsible development, addressing the limitations, and ensuring proper training for human
operators are essential elements in harnessing the full potential of autopilot systems. The future
of autopilot technology involves a careful integration of automation with human oversight,
fostering a harmonious relationship between technology and human decision-making.

REFERENCE
[1] ‘Autopilot_Control_System.pdf’.

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[2] ‘Blakelock, J., , (2 Ed.), John Wiley & Sons, 1991 nd Understanding Flight, Anderson, D. F.
and Eberhardt, S., (2 Ed.), McGraw Hill, 2010 autopilot-3263.pdf’.

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